After a long hiatus from reading romance, I happened to pick up this book and have been thoroughly delighted by finding such a wonderful author. "Tempting a Texan" is a sweet story about Nicholas Garvey and Carlinda "Lin" Donnelly who are brought together by Nicholas's orphaned niece, Amanda. Although Nicholas grew up fending for himself on the streets of New York City, he is now a successful banker in Collins Creek, Texas. Carlinda was reared in an unhappy home, is virtually alone in the world, and was a close friend of Amanda's deceased mother. Her mission in bringing Amanda to Texas is to unite her with her Uncle Nicholas although she dreads the thought of losing Amanda. Lin and Amanda bring out the caring, protective instincts in Nicholas and he and Lin are soon married and embroiled in a plot to protect Amanda from danger. This book is full of likeable characters such as Jonathan and Augusta Cleary from "The Texan" and Nicholas's housekeeper, Katie. It's fun to watch Nicholas change from a citified banker to a rancher. The development of Nicholas and Carlinda's relationship is a delight -- full of anticipation and sensual tension. A must read and a keeper to boot!

SUDDENLY...FATHERHOOD! Wealthy banker Nicholas Garvey was stunned to learn he was now the legal guardian of a niece he hadn't known he had. But the bigger surprise was the child's beguiling nanny, Carlinda Donnelly, a woman who effortlessly made him yearn for the unexpected pleasures of hearth, home...and heartfelt love! Wonderful storyline.

The handsome owner of the Collins Creek (Texas) Bank, Nicholas Garvey has just read a wire that has shaken him to his roots. It says that his sister and her husband have died in Europe and have left their only child, Amanda, in his care.

Well, theres just one problem Nicholas has no sister! When the child and her nanny arrive a few minutes later, Nicholas is still reeling. He denies his relationship to the child until he looks into her eyes they are the same as his.

This is a very pleasant story; Amanda, a niece that Nicholas Garvey never knew he had, tilts his world in a new direction. Amanda and her nanny, Carlinda "Lin" Donnelly, are upset by Nicholas cool reception. However, he takes himself in hand and invites them to stay at his home until hes had time to read the court documents and wills.

The two main characters have interesting back stories. Nicholas grew up in the tough streets of New York City, fending for himself from an early age. Hes reached his current position through the kindness of a stranger and his own hard work.

Lin also grew up in difficult circumstances; she was raised in an unhappy home (her mother did not believe Lin when she said that her stepfather had designs on her). Eventually, her mother and stepfather moved and left her behind. Lin became a companion to Irene (Nicholas unknown sister); through Irenes will, she was hired to bring Amanda to her uncle in Texas.

Lin loves the child and hates to leave her; however, Nicholas has made her an offer she must refuse (to be his mistress). When she indicates she is getting ready to leave, Nicholas panics. He has no idea how to take care of a 5 year-old female.

When introduced to the reader, Nicholas seems to be self-centered and unkind. But Lin and Amanda bring out new instincts in him. When Lin and Amanda are kidnapped, Nicholas realizes how they have changed his life.

The plot is tightly woven and the characters are interesting and well-developed. Its an appealing page turner that will keep the reader glued to the book.

Or close enough, anyway. Wealthy banker Nicholas Garvey was stunned to learn he was now the legal guardian of a niece he hadn't known he had. But the bigger surprise was the child's beguiling nanny, Carlinda Donnelly, a woman who effortlessly made him yearn for the unexpected pleasures of hearth, home...and heartfelt love!

He called her Lin--a nickname short, sweet, even innocent. But Carlinda Donnelly knew Nicholas Garvey's intentions were anything but! What he wanted was as clear as the wide Texas sky. This complex man with a past had definite plans for her future--all of which made her blood race, her heart pound and her passions soar!

Or close enough, anyway. Wealthy banker Nicholas Garvey was stunned to learn he was now the legal guardian of a niece he hadn't known he had. But the bigger surprise was the child's beguiling nanny, Carlinda Donnelly, a woman who effortlessly made him yearn for the unexpected pleasures of hearth, home...and heartfelt love!

He called her Lin -- a nickname short, sweet, even innocent. But Carlinda Donnelly knew Nicholas Garvey's intentions were anything but! What he wanted was as clear as the wide Texas sky. This complex man with a past had definite plans for her future...all of which made her blood race, her heart pound and her passions soar!